I have never run before and am overweight. I have just entered for a 5k race in 2 months. A little ambitious I know but I needed to do something that will hopefully get me motivated. If i walk and partly jog (maybe!!!) the race will people laugh at me and do other people ever walk. I am so scared!!!

What sort of 5k? They come in all sorts from Race for Life, which is very friendly to first timers, village fete 5k's which are also a good introduction, to interclub competitions in which I would not get back before the next to last runner had finished his second round at the pub.

What you are doing is worthwhile, and the beginning of a change that does more than shed pounds. There will be no mockers worth noticing. Those who mock are not worth noticing, by definition.

I have come last in races. I'd rather be last than not in the race. I've come last in a race which was also my personal best, and far from my first at that distance.

It may, indeed, it probably will take a deal of courage to pin a number on your front, line up at the back of the pack behind a mass of people all of whom seem fitter stronger and slimmer than you. But you will find the courage, have already taken the first steps, and the act of finding the courage in and of itself makes you hugely stronger.

Thanks thats really reassuring. It's the Liverpool Hydro Active Women's Challenge. I read about it in a magazine and thought what the hell!! Its about time I did something and hopefully this will focus me and stop me falling off the wagon!I have always wanted to race and the London marathon is an ambition but as you said its not about winning. I need to do this for myself and hopefully raise loads of money for charity. Thanks again for the message, it really cheered me up.

Thanks and wow congrats on losing 7 stone I'm impressed. Hopefully in a couple of years time that;ll be me saying that. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the support. Going for my first ever jog tomorrow so hopefully will get further than end of road, but hay at least I'm trying.

Catherine - running is about the friendliest sport I've ever been involved in. A whole heap of runners started out just like you are with the desire to lose weight and get fit. I've lost 6 stone through running and next year intend doing a half marathon or marathon every calendar month and the Himalaya 100 Mile Challenge (4 marathons spread across 5 days at 12,000 feet up in the mountains) all to raise money for charity. You can get there

if you are struggling in a race you can guarantee at least one person will help to keep you going. it's brilliant

Obviously there are the speedy g!ts, we doin't talk to them, who finish several hours before us mere mortals, but more often than not those who know us will wait for us slowbies to finish and cheer us over the line

Thanks for that, I have finally changed my name. Quite easy when you know how.

Thanks to everyone for the support. First run tomorrow so fingers crossed.

Take care everyone, Cat.

P.S. I'm gonna stop chatting on this thread as I don't have the time to do two but I am keeping people posted on my thread called Am I mad?? So please feel free to come and chat to me there. Its just I didn't know how to set up my own before. So thanks again to everyone who has sent me messages it is much appreciated and hope to chat again soon.

HI, im just about 2months from my first 1/2 marathon in about 16 years(newark). ive returned to running as i have also entered the robin hood full marathon in sept. im 41, 14ish stone and 5'10" ive got to get some more trainers and was looking at the comments regarding mizuno wave, would these be suitable for the type of distance im doing, im up to 9 miles and average 30-40 miles per week. im a plodder and intend to remain so..thanks-sl

i am 43 overweight and i have gone out today and did my first walk run bit. I cant believe how out of shape i am? This is from a person who did a last half marathon about 22 years ago. So if i can start to get back on the road i am sure you can as well, i used to love running in the light rain and the early morning runs and the longish runs on sunday morning, but with a job family i did i admit let it slid by? So any trainging tips help please send me a email or thread, i am now looking at getting a new pair of trainers i dont think there is much life in the old swaety smelly set looking at them lol.

I have just purchased a new treadmill and had my first session on it.I am 36 and over weight by about 21 pounds! I used to be very fit and into middle distance running but now find myself struggling! Great tips on here and i ran/walked for 30mins today and oh did i feel it afterwards! Funny in my head i still feel i can run like i used to but i realise that it takes alot of time to build things along slowly so i can reach my goals i the correct manor.Just one question,when i run is it best to have a slight incline on the treadmill to compensate the movement of the belt?

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